Obaseki’s Alleged Looting Spree Exposed as EFCC Swoops on Edo Accountant General!
Edo State has reached a critical juncture. The people of Edo must now, more than ever, demand accountability and transparency from those entrusted with public resources. Recent revelations involving the arrest of the Accountant General of Edo State, Julius Anelu, alongside other senior government officials, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have raised urgent questions about the outgoing administration’s handling of state finances.
Reports indicate that out of the N24.6 billion recently deposited into the Edo State Government’s account, a staggering N14 billion was siphoned within just one week. This comes at a time when Edo State is grappling with unprecedented challenges, from economic hardship to increased insecurity and an alarming rise in cult-related violence. Governor Godwin Obaseki, however, seems more concerned with securing questionable financial gains as his tenure winds down.
In an unprecedented display of disregard for due process and fiscal responsibility, Governor Obaseki has sought and received approval for three supplementary budgets since January 2024. The most recent of these, a N450 billion allocation, was passed on the eve of the September 21st gubernatorial election. The outgoing administration’s pursuit of multiple supplementary budgets within such a short period raises suspicions about the actual purpose behind these massive allocations. It begs the question: what exactly does Obaseki intend to do with these funds just days before his departure from office?
It is both shocking and deeply shameful that a governor would prioritize the rapid depletion of state resources, seemingly to serve personal interests, while citizens face abject poverty and an escalation in insecurity. Obaseki’s apparent unwillingness to address the rampant suffering in Edo underscores a disturbing pattern of governance driven by greed and disregard for the well-being of the people.
Edo State has already suffered under the weight of questionable projects, abandoned infrastructures, and delayed payments to contractors – all under Obaseki’s watch. The total amount squandered during his tenure has reportedly neared the staggering sum of 2 trillion Naira. This astronomical figure demands answers. Edo people have a right to know where these resources have gone and why their future has been mortgaged by an outgoing administration that appears determined to empty the state coffers before leaving office.
The EFCC must step up and ensure thorough and impartial investigations into these allegations. Nigerians, particularly Edo citizens, must realize that the true weight of our nation’s financial troubles does not lie solely on the shoulders of the presidency but also on governors who exploit public trust. As custodians of public funds, state governors must face the same level of scrutiny as any other public official.
Obaseki’s tenure will go down in history, not for developmental strides, but for the erosion of public trust and accountability. Let this serve as a wake-up call: the people of Edo State will not sit by idly as their resources are drained. We demand that Governor Godwin Obaseki, his administration, and all implicated officials be brought to justice. The EFCC must not let this matter slide, and the people of Edo must stand united in their call for transparency, justice, and an end to this era of unbridled financial misconduct.
It is time for change. Edo deserves leadership that respects and prioritizes the interests of its people, not personal gain.
Signed:
Osigwe Omo-Ikirodah
Former APC New Media Director, Edo 2024 Governorship Election
